Civil Law

Peter O’Brien Wins The President’s Medal at the Law Society’s Annual Members Dinner 2023

On Thursday, December 7, the best talent that NSW law has to offer headed to the Four Seasons, Sydney. The Law Society hosted their Annual Member’s Dinner. Among the crowd were some very honourable guests. For example, NSW Attorney General Michael Daley, Chief Justice Andrew Bell, and Chief Magistrate Peter Johnstone attended.

Our Principal Solicitor, Peter O’Brien, was nominated for the highly sought after President’s Medal. The award is one of the most prestigious for the legal profession in Australia.

Peter O’Brien wins the President’s Medal

Law Society President, Cassandra Banks announced Peter as the winner. In her speech, she said the winner of the annual medal has made a significant personal and prestigious contribution to the improvement of law and justice in NSW. She stated that Peter was a fearless advocate in criminal and civil law. She also praised the different work he has done in many jurisdictions. Spanning from the High Court, to the Royal Commissions, and at ICAC.

Banks noted his published legal texts and pro bono work. However, she highlighted a recent case of his as a main contributing factor for him winning the President’s Medal. Peter and the firm worked tirelessly to defend our client after NSW police maliciously prosecuted him.

“This year’s President’s Medal winner has served the profession with distinction as the author of a legal text on intentional torts, and as a respected presenter of continuing professional development sessions. Mr O’Brien is an accomplished practitioner, having achieved Law Society Specialist Accreditation in Criminal Law,” Ms Banks said.

“Mr O’Brien has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to providing access to justice to those who need it most, from representing children in the care and protection system for Legal Aid NSW, to private practice, where he represents legally aided clients and makes substantial contributions through his pro bono work.”

Law Society awards Peter O’Brien the President’s Medal

After, Banks said:

“Peter advocated on behalf of a client recently against the State. in what has become a noteworthy precedent for many reasons. In that matter, the police conduct was described by Chief Justice Bell in his joint judgment as the worst case of undermining the criminal justice system in reported cases in New South Wales.” She also added:

“The decision improved the administration of justice in NSW. With the decision standing as a warning to anyone who seeks to offend against the rights of citizens in future.”

Law Society 2023

After, Peter made his way to the stage and graciously accepted the award. He thanked his colleagues for their work. Furthermore, he thanked the Law Society for the award and for the recognition. To conclude, it was a fantastic night enjoyed by all attendees.

A huge congratulations to Peter and the entire firm for their work.

We’d also like to take this opportunity to thank all of our clients for working with us in 2023. Without you, none of this would have been possible.

Law Society’s Annual Members Dinner 2023

Since the night, the press and those in the legal community have praised Peter. Describing Peter’s win, The Law Society announced in their article: Advocate for Disadvantaged Wins NSW Top Law Award.